FEATURED ARTICLES ABOUT PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION - PAGE 4

The Round Lake Beach Village Council won't decide for more than a month whether a Wal-Mart Supercenter that has stirred up opposition will be built, officials said Monday. The council was scheduled to vote Monday night but tabled the matter for a third time, Mayor Rich Hill said. The council probably will vote after the Planning and Zoning Commission decides in early October whether Wal-Mart's proposed road improvements will handle increased traffic. Planning officials are basing their decision on a traffic study commissioned by Wal-Mart, Hill said.

The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of a special-use permit for a $120 million mixed-use development in the city's central business district. The 7-2 vote last week sends the matter to the City Council, which is expected to act Monday on the permit request and an agreement with PRC Partners LLC for redevelopment of the site bounded by Northwest Highway, Touhy Avenue and Morris Street. The special-use permit allows for greater building height and residential density, and requires less open space than the city's zoning code sets, Commissioner Kurt Machon said.

Oak Forest has chosen a city commissioner and former Commonwealth Edison manager as its new city administrator. The City Council unanimously endorsed James Rossi, 54, a longtime resident, for the position Tuesday at the suggestion of Mayor Patrick Gordon. "The strongest things he brings are dealing with personnel issues and his problem-solving abilities," said Gordon. "He's the type of individual who if he doesn't understand or know it, he will dive into it and learn it in short order."

The Village Board was presented with proposals to develop the Main Street Station town project. A 12-member ad hoc committee, appointed by the board, is recommending that 20,000 square feet of retail space and 10,000 square feet of office space be included in a TIF district consisting largely of five village-owned parcels. Plans also call for building condominiums, said Patrick Watkins, community development director. La Grange-based Gammonley Group will develop the project, Watkins said.

The Village Board on Monday was presented with proposals to develop the Main Street Station town project. A 12-member ad hoc committee, appointed by the board, is recommending that 20,000 square feet of retail space and 10,000 square feet of office space be included in a TIF district consisting largely of five village-owned parcels. Plans also call for building condominiums, said Patrick Watkins, community development director. La Grange-based Gammonley Group will develop the project, Watkins said.

Village trustees are expected to examine a plan Oct. 22 for a large home improvement store. Lowe's has proposed building a Home Improvement Warehouse on 14 vacant acres northwest of Algonquin and Randall Roads. Planning and Zoning Commission members endorsed the proposal earlier this month but balked at a request to put a sign west of Acorn Lane and Randall Road that would be more than twice the height allowed under village law. Lowe's has proposed extending Acorn Lane west across Randall Road to Polaris Drive.

Trustees have tentatively approved a commission intended to provide a forum where residents can air grievances about alleged discrimination. A final vote on the five-member Community Relations Commission is expected Dec. 18. The commission would have the authority to conduct hearings into non-criminal complaints against village officials of discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability or sexual orientation....

Trustees have tentatively approved a commission intended to provide a forum where residents can air grievances about alleged discrimination. A final vote on the five-member Community Relations Commission is expected Dec. 18. The commission would have the authority to conduct hearings into non-criminal complaints against village officials of discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability or sexual orientation....

An Oak Forest resident finally can sell part of her property after two years of trying. The City Council last week agreed to resubdivide the lot with the stipulation that nothing may be built on the part being sold because the property does not have access to a street. That's just fine with Mike and June Duffin, who wanted to buy the property at 15051 S. Ridgeland Ave. from Patricia Jellema. The Duffins want to use the 163-by-60-foot area as an extension of their back yard.